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Southern Africa Family Journey: In Search of the Big Five

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Our Price From 6,467 Per Person
Exclusive Savings 143 Per Person
 Trip Length
11 Days
 Trip Starts
Cape Town
 Trip Finishes
Victoria Falls
11 Day Southern Africa Family Journey: In Search of the Big Five Itinerary (G Adventures)
Countries Explored: Zimbabwe, South Africa
Trip Style
National Geographic Family Journeys
Departures
Budget
Affordable
Max. Group Size
20
Pace
Leisurely
Guide Level
Fully Guided
Trip Code
DSCNF

Overview

Book online and enjoy exclusive savings on G Adventures 11 Day Southern Africa Family Journey: In Search of the Big Five. Boasting jaw-dropping scenery and some of the planet's most iconic wildlife, southern Africa makes for an unforgettable family adventure. On this action-packed journey, venture to South Africa to seek out the legendary “big five" on safari, soak up the charms of cosmopolitan Cape Town, and see penguins march along Boulders Beach. Then top off your journey in Zimbabwe with a tour of thundering Victoria Falls.

Itinerary

Arrive in time to meet your fellow travelers for a welcome gathering this evening. Your arrival transfer is included. Stay: President Hotel

This morning, set out on a daylong tour of the Cape Peninsula, a rocky headland jutting into the Atlantic Ocean. At Boulders Beach, watch thousands of African penguins waddle about their business. Then visit the notorious Cape of Good Hope—where many an unfortunate ship met its watery doom during the Age of Exploration—and climb up to the lighthouse at Cape Point for fantastic views. Head back to Cape Town via the spectacular Chapman’s Peak Drive, which snakes its way along the Atlantic. Stay: President Hotel (B)

Spend the day at leisure, discovering the charms of Cape Town on a variety of optional excursions. Choose to hop on the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway for a quick ride to the summit, taking in incredible views of the Atlantic seaboard. Pay an eye-opening visit to the Iziko Slave Lodge—a museum devoted to the history of slavery in South Africa. Wildlife lovers can head to the Two Oceans Aquarium to gush over the variety of its marine residents—from adorable clownfish to translucent jellies. Stay: President Hotel (B)

Fly from Cape Town to the Greater Kruger National Park and settle into your lodge, located at the gateway to the famed wildlife reserve. Stay: Sanbonani Resort Hotel (B/D)

At over 19,000 sq km (7,500 sq mi), South Africa’s Kruger National Park is one of the largest and most impressive animal reserves in the world. With 147 species, Kruger has more species of large mammals than any other park on the continent. Stay: Sanbonani Resort Hotel (B/L/D)

Venture out on another early morning safari drive, looking for the creatures you didn’t get a chance to spot the day before. The afternoon is free to explore the Kruger region as you choose. Relax by the pool at our lodge, or opt to experience the area by zip-line. Stay: Sanbonani Resort Hotel (B/D)

After breakfast, head to Chimp Eden for an encounter with our closest relatives in the animal world. Run by the Jane Goodall Institute of South Africa, Chimp Eden is the first and only chimpanzee sanctuary in the country, and harbors more than 30 rescued chimps. Legendary ethologist and National Geographic grantee Dr. Jane Goodall devoted her life to the study of chimpanzee behavior; at Chimp Eden, we’ll get an opportunity to see rescued chimps living in a safe and secure sanctuary and learn why Jane was so captivated by them when she first began her research in 1960. Later, settle in for the drive to Johannesburg, arriving in the evening. Stay: Zebra Country Lodge (B/L)

Step back millions of years in time on a visit to the Cradle of Humankind, where the fossils of some of our earliest known human ancestors were discovered. Here, National Geographic Explorer-at-Large Lee Berger excavated the Homo naledi, a recently defined species of hominin. Descend into the otherworldly Sterkfontein Caves, where the remains of “Mrs. Ples” and “Little Foot”—both more than two million years old—were found; then venture to the Maropeng Visitors Centre to gape at the actual skeletal remains and embark on an immersive journey through the evolution of our species. This evening, feast on a traditional South African braai (barbeque). Stay: Zebra Country Lodge (B/D)

Catch a flight to Zimbabwe and check in to your hotel. Set out with a local guide for a tour of Victoria Falls, one of the largest waterfalls on Earth. Scottish explorer David Livingstone named them after Britain’s Queen Victoria, while their older, indigenous name is Mosi-oa-Tunya—“the smoke that thunders.” You can hear the falls’ mighty roar from up to 24 miles away; and standing at one of the cascade’s overlooks, you’ll be drenched by its powerful spray. Stay: Explorers Village Lodge - Deluxe (B)

The day is free to explore Victoria Falls and its surroundings. Embark on a sunset cruise on the Zambezi River; or embark on a canoeing excursion on the river. You can also take a day trip to Chobe National Park in Botswana to seek out its resident elephants. This evening, celebrate your journey with fellow travelers at a farewell dinner featuring a performance of local music and dance. Stay: Explorers Village Lodge - Deluxe (B/D)

Depart at any time. (B)

Trip Inclusions

  • Embark on a thrilling safari in Kruger National Park.
  • Examine three million-year-old hominid fossils in the Cradle of Humankind.
  • Visit rescued chimpanzees at a sanctuary run by the Jane Goodall Institute.
  • Feel the thundering power of Victoria Falls.

  • Your Family Journeys Moment: Jane Goodall Chimp Eden Tour, Nelspruit
  • Your Family Journeys Moment: Cradle of Humankind Experience, Johannesburg
  • Your Foodie Moment: Traditional South Africa Braai (Barbecue), Johannesburg
  • Arrival transfer
  • Excursion to Cape Point including the penguins at Boulders Beach
  • Kruger National Park wildlife safari drives in open vehicle
  • Tour of Victoria Falls
  • Internal flights
  • All transport between destinations and to/from included activities

  • Hotel (3 Nights), safari lodge (7 Nights)
  • Rooming is based on double occupancy (2 passengers / 2 beds per room); all other room configurations are on request and cannot be guaranteed. We will try to accommodate triples/quad requests whenever possible and it's important to note that rooming configuration can change from city to city and 2 single beds are the standard configuration in a room.
  • Start and end hotels on this tour offer comfortable accommodations with en-suite bathrooms, standard facilities, and wifi. Additional amenities vary from location to location. Please see the hotel listings on the Full Itinerary if you would like to learn more about the offerings of your accommodations.
  • Please remember that hotel/lodge standards can be different from what you are used to in your home country, which is part of the appeal of adventure travel.
  • Winter nights (June to September) can be cold, and most lodges and hotels do not have insulation or central heating. If you require additional blankets or a hot water bottle, these can be requested through your CEO or at the reception.

  • 2 CEOs (Chief Experience Officers) throughout, including a local CEO in Victoria Falls, local guides/rangers

  • 10 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 5 dinners

  • Air-conditioned touring vehicle, open safari vehicle, walking, plane

  • Accommodation, itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
  • Price is for land, cruise and internal flights as specified. Flights not specified are not included

Brochure

National Geographic

G Adventures National Geographic (2023-24)

Combining National Geographic’s more than 130 years of global exploration, science, and storytelling, with the fun, responsible, and culturally immersive travel experiences for which G Adventures is a global leader. Support global initiatives, community projects, and enjoy access to exclusive ventures. Dive into a blend of comfort and discovery, just...more as the renowned National Geographic explorers did.

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A definite departure means minimum numbers have been reached for this departure to operate. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you enquire. Additional savings may apply. We guarantee the lowest price in Australia. T&C’s apply.
Note
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Prices and trip information are correct at the time at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by G Adventures. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from G Adventures. These should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.

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